French Drains

French drains, a form of a subsurface drain, utilizes a buried perforated pipe installed in a gravel bed with a geo-textile fabric envelope lining the trench. Water from the surrounding soil enters the gravel bed, flows into the drainpipe and utilizes gravity to flow towards the discharge point.

Three Types of French Drains

The three most frequently used types of French drain pipe systems for residential and commercial applications are smooth sewer and drain pipe, corrugated plastic pipe and poly drain pipe. Smooth wall sewer and drain pipe is rigid and manufactured from PVC or Polyethylene. Due to its rigid nature, it is easier to maintain a continuous slope in critical areas by spanning over uneven trenches. Corrugated pipe is manufactured from high-density polyethylene and is available in 10′ – 250′ rolls. Since the corrugated pipe is flexible, it can follow contours of the ground and wrap around corners without couplings or elbows. Poly drain pipe (EZ-Flow) is a self-contained french drain system that combines corrugated pipe with a poly aggregate wrapped in geo-fabric. This system eliminates the need for gravel and a separate geo-textile cloth.

Large black drainage pipes

Each of the above-mentioned drain pipe systems has perforations or slits to allow water in and directing this water downstream to a discharge point. Discharge points can be grates, drywells or popup emitters. French drains are the most common method for evacuating excess groundwater which has infiltrated into the soil. If the gravel is run to the top of the trench you can also direct surface water down through the aggregate to the pipe system preventing water in unwanted areas such as near foundations or across patios and sidewalks.

French Drain Installation

French drain installation is not a difficult process, but it is important to make sure that the trench is dug correctly and that the pipe is placed properly. First, it is important to make sure that the trench is dug correctly. The trench should be deep enough to allow the pipe to be covered with gravel, and it should be wide enough so that the pipe can be placed properly.

Second, the pipe must be perforated so that water can flow freely through it. If the pipe is not perforated, the French drain will not be effective in diverting water away from your home.

Third, the pipe must be covered with gravel. This helps to keep the pipe in place and also allows water to flow freely through it. After the gravel is in place, the trench is filled in with soil and the French drain is complete.

A French drain system is an effective way to prevent water damage to your home. If you are concerned about water seeping into your basement or causing other damage, a French drain may be the best solution for you. With a little bit of care and attention, a French drain can be a great way to protect your home from water damage.

French Drain Solutions

A well-designed and installed French drain system can prevent foundation repairs and basement flooding. By stopping surface and groundwater from coming into contact with foundation components, basements will stay dry and foundations will remain more stable. Understanding water flow and pipe capacities are key components to a well-designed French drain system. Many foundation repairs and basement waterproofing contractors have been trained to diagnose and solve groundwater issues, but it is always advisable to consult with a professional engineer when dealing with foundation issues.

Contact My Foundation Repairs today to get a free quote for surface drainage installation. Our team can help you identify your foundation issues, the right course of action for your situation and budget, and preventative methods that will keep your family safe for years to come.